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How to become a licensed security guard in New Mexico. State license required. Unarmed training: 8 hours. Armed training: 12 hours. Total initial fees: $119.95-$259.95. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department - Private Investigations Advisory Board
Official website →Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
12 hrs
Armed Training
$119.95-$259.95
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
New Mexico requires registration for security guards through the Private Investigations Advisory Board with three levels based on duties and armament.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Department-approved training completed within 12 months prior to application
Armed training available
12 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm for Level 3
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Guard Registration (Level 1/2/3)
Card Name
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Valid Period
2 years
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $15 |
Fingerprint Fee | $29.95 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $75-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $15 |
Armed License Fee | $15 |
Renewal Fee | $15 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $119.95-$259.95 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Refresher training required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification for Level 3
Renewal Fee
$15
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
New Mexico does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
New Mexico's 3-level system is unique: Level 1 (unarmed), Level 2 (armed with non-firearm weapons like batons), Level 3 (armed with firearms). The $15 application fee is among the lowest in the nation.
New Mexico uses a unique 3-level system based on duties and armament.
Level 1 (unarmed) must work under supervision of a licensed operator or Level 3 guard.
Level 2 is for guards armed with non-firearm weapons.
Level 3 is for guards armed with firearms.
Application fees are among the lowest in the nation at $15.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Mexico.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#24 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$33,450
25th percentile
Median
$38,650
+1% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$49,420
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
8,240 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
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New Mexico requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 8 hours. All licensing is managed through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department - Private Investigations Advisory Board.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.